Bomb release system



April 18, 1950 5. BROWN BOMB RELEASE SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 26, 1946 numdwamm 340m 8 3.815 Siam a:

dckaiwm April 18, 1950 L. 5. BROWN 2,504,492

BOMB RELEASE SYSTEM Filed Jan. 26, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 SPEED co "'1.

I TRIGGER l Lswrrcuj Acrsn lga RE A IN VEN TOR RENGE 8. BROWN Patented Apr. ,18, 1950 BOMB RELEASE SYSTEM Lawrence S. Brown, Long Island City, N. Y., as-

signor to The Sperry Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application January 26, 1946, Serial No. 643,770 4 Claims. (Cl. 177-380) This invention relates to timed bomb release mechanism and more particularly to mechanism for automatically releasing a string of bombs in predetermined timed sequence.

An object of the invention is to provide a mechanism of the abovetype having means to adjust the timing for selected intervals between release impulses.

Another object is to provide a counter mechanism which is suitable for the release of a selected number of bombs in a string.

Another object is'to provide a mechanism of the above type which is comparatively simple, rugged and dependable for use under military conditions.

Various other objects and advantages will be apparent as the nature of the invention is more fully disclosed.

Although the novel features which are characteristic of this invention are pointed out more particularly in the claims the nature of the invention will be betterunderstood by referring to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which a specific embodiment has been set forth for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings v Fig. l is a schematic diagram of one form of apparatus for carrying out the present inven tion; and

Fig. 2 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electric circuit involved in the apparatus of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings more in detail the mechanism is shown as having a stationary dial l having a scale H around its periphery graduated as a log scale of the interval or spacing of the bombs in feet and a dial l2 having a scale l3 graduated as a log scale of the ground speed in knots. The dial I2 is mounted on a shaft M to rotate concentrically with the dial l0 so that the selected interval on the scale I I can be aligned with the known ground speed on the scale I3. 0

The position of the shaft l4 thus represents the log of the frequency of release required'to obtain the desired spacing of the bombs along the ground.

The shaft l4 carries a gear [5 meshing with a gear IS on a shaft I! which carries a knob 18 accessible to the operator for use in setting the dial I2.

The shaft I! also carries a drum 2!) which is engaged by a pair of arms 2| pivoted at 22 and pressed against the drum 20 by a spring 23 seated on a pin 24 which extends through a hole in the top arm 2| and is threaded into the lower arm 2 for adjustment of the spring tension. The drum 20 and arms 2| constitute a friction device for holding the shaft I! in any setting.

The shaft l1 carries a cam 28 which is shaped to have an anti-log function and is engaged by a pin 29 which is threaded in a bar 30 and is adjustable by a screw head 3|. The bar 30 is mounted on a U-shaped yoke 32 which is slidable in supports 33. A tension spring 34 connected between the yoke 32 and a bar, 35 joining the supports 33 holds the pin 29 against the cam 28. The cam 28 converts the log frequency function of the shaft H to a linear frequency function of the positions of the pin 29 and yoke 32.

The yoke 32 carries an arm which controls the position of the ball cage 4| of a two-ball integrator 42. The integrator 42 includes a disc 43 mounted on a shaft 44 and driven by a gear train including gear 45 to 48 by a constant speed motor 49. In the embodiment shown the motor 49 is provided with a governor 50 operating a driving contact 5| which is designed to maintain the speed of the motor 69 substantially constant.

The disc 43 bears against balls 52 in the ball carriage il which in turn bear against a roller 53. The disc, ball and roller are held in frictional engagement by a spring 54 which is seated on a stationary threaded pin 55 and bears against an arm 56 which is pivoted at 51 to a stationary support 58 and has a collar 59 which bears against the hub 60 of the disc 43. The tension of the spring 54 is adjusted by means of a screw head 6!! on the threaded pin 55.

The roller 53 is connected to drive a disc 55 of a friction clutch 66. The clutch 66 includes the driven disc 61 having a pair of arms 68 extending outwardly therefrom and mounted to rotate therewith. The drivendisc 61 may normally be held against rotation by means of a latch 10 which engages one of the arms 68.

The latch 10 is connected to the armatur H of an electromagnet 12 and is positioned to be pulled out of engagement with the arm 68 when the electromagnet is energized. For this purpose the armature H is pivoted M13 and cooperates with pole pieces 14 and 15 of the electromagnet 12 to move in a clockwise direction when the electromagnet is energized. The armature H is also connected to a pin 16 which is connected to close pairs of relay contacts 1'! and 18 respectively when the electromagnet 12 is energized.

The driven disc 61 of the clutch 66 drives a sleeve which is pinned to a shaft 8| by means of a pin 82 which lies in an elongated slot 83 in the sleeve 80. The disc 61 is held in frictional engagement with the driving disc 45 by means of a spring 84 which is seated between the disc 61 and a collar 85 which is threaded on to the shaft 8| for adjustment axially of said shaft so as to control the tension of the spring 84. A friction disc 86 may be interposed between the discs 65 and 61 for driving purposes.

The shaft 8| is journaled in a stationary support 81 which forms a thrust bearing to oppose the thrust of the spring 84 and carries a commutator 90 which is made of insulating material and is provided with a pair of conducting segments 9I which are connected together by a conducting wire 92. Brushes 93 and 94 bear against the commutator 90 and complete an external circuit when they are in engagement with the conducting segments 9I. The brushes 93 and 94 are connected by a circuit to be described to control the operation of an electromagnet I having a pivoted armature IOI connected by a pin I02 to close pairs of contacts I03 and I04 respectively when the electromagnet is energized. The armature IOI also carries a pin I which actuates pawls I06 and I01 engaging a ratchet I08 which constitutes a counter-mechanism and allows the ratchet I08 to rotate one notch in a clockwise direction each time the electromagnet I00 is operated.

The ratchet I08 is mounted on a shaft I09 carrying a pinion IIO driving a gear III loosely mounted on a shaft H2. The shaft II 2 carries at one end a pin II3 which is adapted to engage a spring arm II4 to break a normally closed contact II5 when the pin H3 is rotated into engagement with the arm H4. The arm II4 also actuates a pin II6 to break a normally closed contact I I1 so that the contacts I I5 and I I1 are normally closed, but are opened when the rotation of the shaft 2 brings the pin II3 into position to engage the spring arm H4. The shaft H2 is biased by a spring II8 anchored to a fixed support H9 and engaging a stud I which is connected to the gear III. The spring II8 supplies the proper bias for causing the ratchet I08 to be actuated when the pawls I06 and I01 are respectively released.

The position of the pin H3 is set by an actuating knob I26 on the shaft II2 located in an accessible position and carrying a pointer I21 which registers with a stationary dial I2 8 graduated to indicate the selected numbers of impulses. The shaft II2 carries an arm I29 which is springpressed by a spring I30 against the teeth of the gear III and shaped to turn the gear I II in a clockwise direction with the ratchet I08, but to slide over the teeth of the gear III when turned in a counter clockwise direction, in which direction the gear is prevented from turning by the ratchet. The spring arm I29 thus allows the shaft I I2 to be adjusted in either direction without releasing the pawls I06 and I01.

A stop pin I2I engages the arm I29 and the stud I20 to limit the extent of movement of the shaft H2 and of the gear III in a counter clockwise direction so as to prevent the pin I I3 from overriding the spring arm H4. The pin I2I is positioned to stop the shaft II2 with the pin H3 in circuit opening position.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the control circuit includes a selector switch I having two poles I36 and I31, a remotely located trigger switch I38 which is accessible to the operator and a pilot light I39. The remaining elements of Fig. 2 have been identified above.

Power supply is taken from a lead I40 which maybe connected with the power supply system of the plane. This is connected by a line I 4I to one of the pair of contacts 18 of the hold-in relay 12 and to one side of the motor 49. The other side of the motor 49 is connected by a lead I42 to a contact I43 of the selector switch I35 which cooperates with blade I36. The blade I36 is connected by a lead I44 to a contact II5 of the counter switch actuated by the arm II4, thence by lead I45 to ground at I46 or to the return line if an ungrounded system is used.

The lead MI is also connected by a lead I41 to the pilot light I39, thence by lead I48 to the lead I44.

Connection is made from the contact 18 by a lead I50 to the contact II1 of the counter switch, thence by a lead I5I to a contact I52 of the selector switch which cooperates with the blade I31 of said switch. The blade I31 is connected by a lead I53 to the trigger switch I38 which in turn is connected to the power line I40. The lead I50 is also connected to the hold-in relay '12, thence by lead I54 to the lead I42. The contacts 11 and 18 of the hold-in relay are connected in series, thence by a lead I55 to the brush 94. The brush 95 is connected by a lead I56 to the actuating relay I00, thence by a lead I51 to the lead I48. The contacts I03 and I04 of the actuating relay I00 are connected by a lead I58 to the lead I41 and by a lead I59 to the output which controls the bomb release. The contacts I03 and I04 are connected in parallel to reduce the current load thereon.

The lead I56 is connected by a lead I60 to a contact I6I of the selector switch I35 which cooperates with the blade I31 thereof. The corresponding contact I62 of the switch I35 is connected by a lead I63 to ground at I48.

In the operation of this device, the selector switch I35 is thrown upwardly as shown in Fig. 2 to close contacts I43 and I52 in order to condition the apparatus to release bombs in the predetermined time sequence when the trigger switch I38 is closed by the pilot. When the switch I35 is thrown downwardly, the automatic timing mechanism is disconnected and the system is set up to release a single bomb when the trigger I38 is actuated.

Considering first the circuits for the automatic operation when the switch I35 is in its upper position the operator first sets the dial I3 in accordance with the known ground speed and the desired interval or spacing of the bombs alon the ground. This, as pointed out above, serves to shift the balls 52 of the variable speed drive axially of the disc 43 so as to cause the roller 53 to be driven at a rate which is proportional to the computed frequency at which the bombs must be dropped. Hence the commutator is driven to close the contacts 93 and 94 at this selected frequency. The counter-mechanism is also set by means of the knob I26 so that in its step-by-step actuation by means of the counter relay I00, the pin II3 will be brought into eng-agement with the spring arm II4 to open the counter switches H5 and H1 after a predetermined number of impulses have been produced. Hence the predetermined number of bombs will be dropped and the mechanism automatically de-energized by means of the counter switch.

Referring again to Fig 2, the power supply may be traced from the power line I40, lead I to the motor 49 thence by the lead I42 switch I35 and lead I44 to the normally closed counter- 76 contact H5, thence by lead I45 to ground at I 46.

I is closed. The motor 49' will be de-energized however when the counter-contact H is opened by the pin II3 as above described.

Power is also supplied from the line I40, lead I and lead I41 to the pilot light I39, thence by leads I48 and I44 to the counter-contact H5 and v by lead I45 ground. The pilot light thus indicates that the counter switch III is closed and that power is being supplied to the system. Power is also supplied from the power line I40 through leads I 4I, I41 and I58 to the actuating relay contacts I03 and I04, thence by lead I59 to the output. Hence at each actuation of the relay I00 a power impulse is supplied to the output lead I59. This power impulse is connected to suitable apparatus (not shown) for effecting the release of a single bomb.

Power to actuate the relay I00 issupplied from the power lead I through the trigger switch I38, lead I53, blade I31 and switch I35, contact I52, lead I5I, normally closed contact II1 of the counter-switch, lead I50, hold-in relay contact 11, lead I55, to brush 94, thence from brush 93 and lead I56 to actuating relay coil I 00, thence through'leads I51, lead I48, and I44, through contact II 5 of the counter-switch, thence by lead I to ground. A circuit is thus completed to the actuating relay I00 through the hold-in relay contact 11 whenever a circuit is completed between the brushes 94 and 93 by the commutator 90. This circuit is interrupted however when the contact II5 of the counter relay is opened.

The hold-in relay 12 is actuated by the remote trigger switch I38 by a circuit which includes switch I38, lead I53, blade I31 of switch I35, lead I5I, contact .I I1 of the counter-switch, lead I to the relay I2 and thence by lead I54 and I42 to blade I38 of switch I35 thence by lead I44 to counter-switch contact H5 and by lead -I45 to ground. Hence the hold-in relay 12 is actuated when the remote trigger switch I38 is closed. The contact 18 of the relay 12, however, constitutes a hold-in contact to supply power for holding the relay I2 closed after the trigger switch has been released. Hence after the hold-in relay has been actuated it will remain closed until the countercontact II5 has-been opened.

Referring to Fig. 1, it will be noted that the hold-in relay normally allows'the latch I0 to engage the arm 58 and hold commutator 90 stationary. When the hold-in relay is actuated, however, the latch 10 is released allowing the commutator 90 to be driven through the clutch 56 and to produce timed impulses until it is again stopped by the release of the latch 10 by deenergization of the relay 12 which permits the latch 10 to again fall into position to engage the arm 68 as the arm reaches the latch I0 in its path of travel. The arm 68 is positioned to stop the commutator 90 with the brushes 93 and 94 on the conducting segments 9I of the commutator so that an impulse will be produced immediately when the trigger switch I38 is closed. It will be evident from the above that after the trigger switch I38 is closed, bomb release impulses will be produced in timed succession by the commu tator 90 until the selected number. of bombs have been released, at which time the counter-switch contacts II5 are opened to tie-energize the sys- In case only a single bomb is'to be released or in case the entire salvo is to be released simularomas equipment.

It will be noticed that the counter switch contact H5 and H1 are connected to isolate the hold-in relay coil 12 so 'as to prevent accidental operation thereof through external apparatus which may also be connected to power line I40.

Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown for purposes or illustration, it is to be understood that the invention may be adapted to various uses and that changes and modifications may be made therein as will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

The invention is only to be limited in accordance with the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A device for controlling the release of a string of bombs from a plane in timed sequence, comprising a make and break commutator, means settable in accordance with ground speed and with the desired spacing of the bombs along the ground, means actuated by said last means as a function of the computed frequency of release, a variable speed drive mechanism. a constant speed motor actuating said mechanism, means controlled by said last means to set said drive mechanism to drive said commutator at a speed proportional to said computed frequency, means including a friction clutch connecting said variable speed drive to drive said commutator, latch means normally holding said commutator against rotation, circuit means connected to be actuated by said commutator to produce impulses timed in accordance with the speed of rotation of said commutator, relay means to release said latch and to energize said circuit means, a control circuit connected to actuate said relay means, a holding circuit for said relay means to hold the same energized after the control circuit has been interrupted, counter means connected to respond to said impulses, means actuated by said counter means to release said relay and thereby stop said commutator and interrupt said impulses and means setting said counter means to actuate said last means after a predetermined number of impulses.

2. A device for controlling the release oi a string of bombs in timed sequence from a plane, comprising a make and break commutator, means settable in accordance with ground speed and with the desired spacing of the bombs along the ground, means actuated by said last means as a function of the computed frequency of release, a variable speed drive mechanism, a constant speed motor actuating said mechanism, means controlled by said last means to set said drive mechanism to drive said commutator at a speed proportional to said computed frequency, means including a friction clutch connecting said variable speed drive to drive said commutator, latch means normally holding said commutator against rotation, circuit means connected to be actuated by said commutator to produce impulses timed in 7| and to energize said circuit means, a holding circuit for said relay means to hold the same energized after the control circuit has been interrupted, counter means connected to respond to said impulses, means actuated by said counter means to release said relay and thereby stop said commutator and interrupt said impulses, and means setting said counter means to actuate said last means after a predetermined number of impulses.

3. A device for controlling the release of a string of bombs from a plane in timed sequence, comprising a make and break commutator, means settable in accordance with ground speed and with the desired spacing of the bombs along the ground, means actuated by said last means as a function of the computed frequency of release, a variable speed drive mechanism, a constant speed motor actuating said mechanism, means controlled by said last means to set said drive mechanism to drive said commutator at a speed proportional to said computed frequency, means including a friction clutch connecting said variable speed drive to drive said commutator, latch means normally holding said commutator against rotation, circuit means connected to be actuated by said commutator to produce impulses timed in accordance with the speed of rotation of said commutator, relay means to release said latch and to energize said circuit means, and a control circuit connected to actuate said relay means.

4. A device for controlling the release of a string of bombs from a plane in timed sequence,

comprising a make and break commutator, a variable speed drive mechanism, a constant speed motor actuating said mechanism, means to set said drive mechanism to drive said commutator at a, speed proportional to the computed frequency, means including a friction clutch connecting said variable speed drive to drive said 'commutator, latch means normally holding said commutator against rotation, circuit means connected to be actuated by said commutator to produce impulses timed in accordance with the speed of rotation of said commutator,'relay means to release said latch and to energize said circuit means, a control circuit connected to' actuate said relay means, and a holding circuit for said relay means to hold the'same energized after the control circuit has been interrupted.

- LAWRENCE S. BROWN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

. UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,396,197 Peterson Mar. 5, 1946 

